Newport officer fired for smuggling contraband into jail

A Newport Police officer has been fired after an investigation revealed she was sneaking contraband into the jail.

According to Police Chief Maurice Shults, Patrol Sergeant Donna Harrison was dismissed on Friday, for violations of the department's general orders and civil service policy.

Chief Shults said he became aware that TBI was investigating Harrison's possible involvement in the introduction of contraband at the Cocke County Jail on November 13. She was placed on suspension without pay.

An internal investigation revealed that Harrison was involved in smuggling items like tobacco, drinks, food, and cash into the jail, according to Chief Shults. He said the deliveries happened when she was on and off duty

"This type of behavior cannot and will not be tolerated by the Newport
Police Department. Due to the fact that the investigation is continuing
no further details can be released at this time," said Chief Shults.